Monday, 16 May 2011

Discuss and organise at the Brighton Stop the Cuts Coalition delegates meeting

How can we help support workers building to fight to defend all of our pensions? Will the new minority Green-led council stop the cuts or keep any of their election promises? Opposition to the destruction to our NHS is mounting, how can we help to save it? How can we link up and support workers and campaigns in the growing anti-cuts movement?

This Wednesday evening is an important opportunity to discuss and plan answers to these questions and all trade union branches, workplaces, resident groups, community campaigns and all anti-cuts supporters are encouraged to attend so that all our voices can be heard and all our battles can find support. Send a delegate or come along yourself, and help spread the word. Email brightontradescouncil@gmail.com for call Peter on 07788 744120 more info.

Brighton Stop the Cuts Coalition delegates meeting!7.30pm Wednesday May 18 Upstairs above the courtyard in the King & Queen pub, the Old Steine, Brighton

How to get involved

Trades union councils consist of representatives of trade unions or branches of trade unions which meet within the area covered by that council, or which have members working or living in the area. A union branch will normally affiliate to the trades unions council in the area in which it meets.

Affiliated unions

Who are we and what do we do?

Trades union councils bring together trade unions to campaign around issues effecting working people in their workplaces and local communities.

Trades Union Councils consist of trade unions or branches oftrade unions which meet within the area covered by that council, or which have members working or living in the area. A union branch will normally affiliate to the trades union council in the area in which it meets. Each branch will then send delegates to the trades union council's meetings. These branches pay an affiliation fee. Their delegates elect officers from amongst themselves to represent the views and priorities of the constituent branches and to take responsibility for working for and supporting the policy of Congress and the Trades Union Council (TUC) General Council. This is because trades union councils are registered with the TUC, rather than being entirely independent bodies. The Annual Conference of Trades Union Councils takes place over a May weekend.

Aims and objectives

> Raise public awareness of rights at work and the union role in enforcing those rights.

> Support union and community campaigns for dignity and respect in the workplace and beyond.

With the threats of racism and fascism, changes in the labour market and debates over the future of public services, the trade union voice in the community is as important as ever. The capacity of trades union councils to provide a local response and to organise trade unionists into coalitions with other progressive forces is crucial. They do this by providing services which keep local trade unionists up to date with developments within the wider trade union movement, and by taking up relevant local industrial and community issues.